As events may be canceled or rescheduled at the last moment, please first check with the host or venue when making plans to attend an event.
ONGOING
History Comes Alive
Through Aug. 7 at various locations. Enjoy hikes, neighborhood walking and biking tours, presentations, exhibitions and even ice cream socials – all part of the History Comes Alive program. From historic portrayals at the Old State Capitol to a flag-lowering ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb, everyone is invited to be a part of living history. For the full schedule, go to the website visitspringfieldillinois.com.
Rochester Farmers Market
The second and fourth Sunday of each month, 12-3pm. Local produce and products. Rochester Public Library, Rochester, 1 Community Dr., 217-498-8454.
Springfield Municipal Band
Tuesdays, through Aug. 9, 7:30pm. A local treasure since 1936. Free. Duncan Park, 400 N. MacArthur Blvd.
The Illinois Freedom Project
Tuesday-Saturday weekly, 12-4pm. The story of Illinois’ long fight for freedom from slavery. On loan from the National Park Service. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323.
Levitt AMP Springfield Music series
Thursdays, through Aug. 4, 6pm. A free concert series that brings in a diverse lineup. Y Block, Fourth and Jackson streets, 217-753-3519.
Sangamon Watercolor Society Exhibition
First Friday of each month, 5-8pm. Enjoy artist demonstrations and refreshments. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Artist on the Plaza
Fridays, through Sept. 2, 12-1pm. Produced by the Springfield Area Arts Council and featuring local talent. Visit springfieldartsco.org for the complete lineup. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams.
Old Capitol Farmers Market
Saturdays and Wednesdays, through October, 8am-1pm. Shop for fresh local produce, baked goods and products. Please note health guidelines will be followed. Old Capitol Farmers Market, Fourth and Adams streets, 217-544-1723.
Sigma Gamma Rho Exhibit
Through June 30. Celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the sorority. Highlights notable members of the local chapter, and includes unique keepsakes and memorabilia. spiaahm.org. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323.
JUNE
My One and Only
June 24-26, July 6-10, July 13-17 and July 20-24. The s’wonderful Gershwin musical. The Legacy Theatre, 101 E. Lawrence, 800-838-3006.
Policy Breakfast
June 24, 8am. “Springfield Fire Department Analysis.” Coffee reception at 7:30 a.m. before the program. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
African Americans and Mr. Lincoln Part 1
June 25, 1:30pm. Covering the years 1837-1861. Part of the History Comes Alive program. spiaahm.org. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323.
Central Illinois Daylily Society Plant Show
June 25, 12-3pm. Beautiful examples of daylilies on display in an open house-style setting. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Insect Evening
June 25, 8pm. See lots of flying insects up close. Black lights are used as an attractant next to a white sheet suspended in the prairie near wetlands and other microhabitats. See who is sharing your space. Call to register. Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary, Loami, 9560 Withers Road, 217-525-1410
Paint the Street
June 25. Take over Washington Street and paint 6′ x 6′ street squares. Each square registration gets one paint supply bucket, one giveaway bag with goodies and one T-shirt. Cash prizes given away in the professional category. Paint the Driveway also available. Registration price increases on the event date. springfieldart.org. $35-$45. Downtown Springfield, Seventh and Washington streets.
JULY
Independence Day Celebration
July 1- 2 and July 5, 10am-4pm. Period demonstrations and the reading of the Declaration of Independence each day. lincolnsnewsalem.com. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.
Rock the Dock Fireworks
July 1, 9:30pm. Lake Springfield Marina, 17 Waters Edge Blvd., 483-3625.
Springfield Jaycees’ Capital City Celebration
July 2- 3. Parade, Kids’ Zone, patriotic pageants for kids and dogs. Fireworks both nights. Downtown Springfield, South Second Street and East Capitol Avenue.
Knight’s Fireworks Extravaganza
July 4, 9:30pm. Knight’s Action Park, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr., 217-546-8881.
Shadow Weave Napkin Exchange
July 7-10. For beginner and advanced weavers. Shadow weave is an exciting light/dark weave structure that offers endless possibilities. Participants can come and go in the open-house-style event. Call or visit jubileefarm.info for more information. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Road, 217-787-6927.
Disney Newsies the Broadway Musical
July 8-10 and July 13-17, 8:30pm. In 1899, a courageous group of New York City newsboys become unlikely heroes when they team up to fight an unscrupulous newspaper tycoon. Based on a true story. Reserved seating $20. Lawn seating $13. Children 5 and under are free on the lawn. 314-534-1111. metrotix.com. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-MUNI.
APL junior volunteer car wash
July 9, 11am-3pm. Just $5 for any size vehicle to help raise funds for the Animal Protective League. The Mobile Adoption unit will also be on site.
217-544-7387. Ace Hardware, 1600 Wabash Ave., 217-787-5100.
Heart Ache Tonight
July 9, 6-10pm. Eagles tribute band. LoneHollow opens the show. $10. Sherman Village Park Amphitheater, 1200 Rail Fence Drive, 217-496-2621.
Oak Ridge Cemetery – The Colored Section
July 9, 1:30pm. Part of the History Comes Alive program. spiaahm.org. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323.
Women’s Distance Festival and Kids’ Fun Run
July 9, 8-10am. Open to women and girls of all ages. Run competitively or stroll the two-mile course through the park. Kids’ Fun Run is for all kids age 12 and under, and participants will receive treats and finisher medals. Registration closes July 7 at noon. No refunds issued. srrc.net. $25. Washington Park, 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., 217-971-1656.
Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS
July 14-17, 7am-7pm. A PGA Tour-sanctioned event on the Korn Ferry Tour, presented by LRS. This four-day, 72-hole competition features 156 players from around the world vying for a total purse of $750,000. MemorialHealthChampionship.com. Panther Creek Country Club, 3001 Panther Creek Dr., 217-670-2910.
Chatham Jaycees Sweet Corn Festival
July 15, 5-11:30pm. Live music, food, vendors, children’s activities and the ever-popular Illinois Championship Cow Chip Throw. Chatham Community Park, Chatham, 731 S. Main St.
Cheap Trick
July 17, 7pm. $45-$125. The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, Decatur, 620 E. Riverside Dr., 217-619-8025.
Babes in Arms
July 22-24. Set at a summer stock theater, a group of young apprentices are determined to mount the original revue they’ve created while dodging the underhanded attempts of the surly theater owner to squash their every effort. theatreinthepark.net. Adults $15, seniors $13, children under 12 $10. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-5440.
Driving Miss Daisy
July 22-23, 8pm. Presented by the Spencer Theater Company. This play won the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for drama. hcfta.org. $18-$20. Hoogland Center for the Arts, Theatre III, 420 S. 6th St., 523-2787.
Policy Breakfast
July 22, 8am. “Route 66 – The Road to 2026.” A discussion of local plans for the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road. Coffee reception before the program. Hoogland Center for the Arts Club Room, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Don McLean
July 23, 7:30pm. American singer-songwriter, best known for his 1971 hit song “American Pie.” UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Downhome Music Festival
July 29-30. One of the best ways to enjoy a great lineup of local talent. Over 100 craft beers and fantastic food vendors. Visit the Facebook page for up-to-date- information. Downtown Springfield, Seventh and Washington streets. 217-528-7000.
Matilda the Musical
July 29-31 and August 3-7, 8:30pm. Matilda is an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand and change her destiny. Reserved seating $20. Lawn seating $13. Children 5 and under are free on the lawn. 314-534-1111. metrotix.com. The Muni, 815 E. Lake Dr., 217-793-MUNI.
Rumble Down Festival
July 29-30. Two days of music, art, vending, pickin’ and more. The lineup includes a variety of amazing progressive jamgrass bands. Visit the Facebook event for more info. thekampground.com. $50 and up. Ages 13-16 $30-$60. The Kampground, Mechanicsburg, 11380 Darnell Road.
Natural Tie Dye Workshop
July 30, 3-5pm. Learn how to make different color dyes using all-natural, plant-based sources. $15 per person includes T-shirt or $10 with your own white shirt. Sizes M, L and XL will be available. RSVP no later than July 15. Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary, Loami, 9560 Withers Road, 217-525-1410.
Sangamon Valley Iris Society Sale
July 30, 1-4pm. A beautiful selection of iris varieties from the collections of the society members. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Stoneman Sprint Triathlon, Abe’s Olympic and Route 66 Half Tri
July 30, One day, three races. Staggered start times. COVID precautions will be practiced. Lake Springfield Beach House, 100 Long Bay Dr., 217-341-1309.
Late Nite Catechism
July 31. Starring Mary Zentmyer. hcfta.org. $30. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
AUGUST
Powerlight Abe Lincoln Car Show
Aug. 5-6. Super cruise on Friday. Line up at 5:30 at the Y Block and move into a smooth cruise to Knight’s Action Park at 7:30. Car Show Spectacular on Saturday. Check out a replica of the car from the movie Christine, and meet actor Malcolm Danare who played Moochie. Free admission. Knight’s Action Park, 1700 Knights Recreation Dr., 217-553-5271.
Soul
Aug. 5. After landing the gig of a lifetime, a New York jazz pianist suddenly finds himself trapped in a strange land between Earth and the afterlife. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Part of the Movies in the Park series. Begins at sunset. Free. Kiwanis Park, Stanton Street.
Carpool – Cars Tribute Band
Aug. 6, 6-10pm. Show opens with local band Sleeping Dogzz. $10. Sherman Village Park Amphitheater, 1200 Rail Fence Drive, 217-496-2621.
Central Illinois Daylily Society Plant Sale
Aug. 6, 12-3pm. Beautiful daylilies from the society members. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Furever Funfest
Aug. 6, 8-11am. A fun day at the park for you and your dog. Dog kissing booth, dog paw art prints, doggie vendors, dog and me yoga, photo booth, fun 5K. Hosted by the Springfield Park District. Free admission. Lincoln Park, Fifth Street and Sangamon Avenue, 217-544-1751.
Illinois State Fair
Aug. 11-21. Food, top-notch entertainment, grandstand shows, midway, exhibit, agricultural shows and more. Admission. Visit the Facebook page for event updates. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Inherit the Wind
Aug. 12-14. A fictionalized account of the 1925 Scopes Trial which resulted in John T. Scopes’ conviction for teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to a high school science class, which was contrary to a Tennessee state law. theatreinthepark.net. Adults $15, seniors $13, children under 12 $10. Theatre in the Park, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-5440.
Region 9 American Iris Society Plant Sale
Aug. 13, 9am-12pm. A selection of iris varieties from the collections of society members. Washington Park Botanical Garden, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-546-4116.
Emerging artist featured exhibit
Aug. 20, 6-9pm. See the work of Toni Lowenthal, an acrylic and pastel painter who completed a six-month mentorship program at the Pharmacy Gallery. Free. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278.
Million Dollar Quartet
Aug. 26-28 and Sept. 2-4. It’s December 4, 1956, when an extraordinary twist of fate brings together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. Relive the era with all the smash-hit sensations. hcfta.org. $20. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 217-523-2787.
Old Capitol Blues and BBQ
Aug. 26-27. The best and bluesiest summer fest. Featuring top blues bands, award-winning BBQ, cold drinks and first-rate fun. Check out the Facebook page. Old State Capitol Plaza, between Sixth and Fifth streets at Adams, 217-523-1455.
Hoop Skirt and Haber-DASH 5K fun run
Aug. 27, 8am. Race back to the 19th century. The course is mostly flat. Fun costuming is encouraged. Dress like you just stepped out of a haberdashery or in the biggest hoopskirt you can find. A prize will be awarded for the best dressed of the bunch. springfieldart.org. $30. Edwards Place, Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Jubilee Regional Championship Morgan Horse Show
Aug. 31-Sept. 3, 9am-10pm. The stamina and spirit of the Morgan, combined with its build and way of traveling, contributed greatly to the formation of other American breeds including the Standardbred, Quarter Horse, Tennessee Walking Horse and American Saddle Horse. Coliseum, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave.
Healing Crystal Bowls Meditation
Sept. 1. First Thursday of every month, 6-8pm. Immerse yourself in soothing, healing vibrations, sending harmony, peace and balance into our community world. Bring a mat to relax on the floor, if you choose. $15 love offering is suggested, but not required. Unity of Springfield, 417 Cordelia, 523-5897.
Springfield Mile 1 and 2
Sept. 3. The world’s premier flat track motorcycle racing series will celebrate its annual Labor Day weekend doubleheader. Ticket prices will increase the week of the event. $20-$150. Children 12 and under $5-$25. Illinois State Fair Grandstand, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival
Sept. 3, 12-5pm. This event has raised over $87,000 for area charities. Features over 130 different types of craft beers, 5,000+ gourmet oysters, live music and local food trucks. Having a good time is much easier when it’s for a great cause. sobfestival.com. The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second St., 217-522-3123.
First Sunday Midwest Bazaar
Sept. 4, 8am-4pm. Everything you could ever need all in one place. Illinois State Fairgrounds Exposition Building, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661.
Bluegrass Concerts and Traditional Music Festival
Sept. 9-10. Bluegrass performers from all over the Midwest will be playing in the Kelso Hollow outdoor theater. At the Traditional Music Festival on Saturday, traditional, folk and bluegrass musicians are invited to participate in impromptu jam sessions throughout the park from 10am-4pm. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg, 15588 History Lane, 217-632-4000.
Spinning
Sept. 9. For both new and experienced spinners. Numerous wheels will be available for practice or lessons. Visit the website for more information. jubileefarm.info. Fee TBD. Jubilee Farm, 6760 Old Jacksonville Rd., 217-787-6927.
Art Spectacular
Sept. 10-11. A juried fine art and craft fair, ranked by Sunshine Artist Magazine as one of The Best 200 Art Fairs in the United States for over five years. Free. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave., 217-306-1838.
Capital City Century
Sept. 10. One of the oldest and most popular recreational bicycle rides in Illinois. A scenic, one-day ride on low-traffic roads. Five route options. Hosted by the Springfield Bicycle Club. spfldcycling.org. Centennial Park, Bunker Hill Road and Lenhart Road, 217-899-9175.
Marbold Heritage Festival
Sept. 10-11, 9am-3pm. Civil War presentations, steam and gas engines, demonstrations, guided tours, live music, antiques, children’s activities, food and drinks. historic-marbold-farmstead.org. Ages 14 and older $5, ages 6-13 $3. Historic Marbold Farmstead, Greenview, 21722 State Hwy 29.
9/11 Ride to Remember
Sept. 11. Lineup begins at Hall’s Harley Davidson at 9am. Ride begins at 10am and ends with a ceremony at the State Capitol. Free. Hall’s Harley Davidson, 2301 N. Dirksen Pkwy., 217-528-8356.
Edwards Place Fine Art Fair
Sept. 17-18. Shop over 70 art vendors, take tours of Edwards Place Historic Home and join in other fun family activities. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 217-523-2631.
Fall Festival
Sept. 17-18. A local favorite with music, food, crafts, children’s activities and historic buildings to tour. clayville.org. Clayville Historic Site, Pleasant Plains, Route 125, 217-481-4430.
Leanne Morgan: Big Pantry Tour
Sept. 17, 7pm. Leanne’s style of comedy combines her southern charm and hilarious story telling about her own life into an act that keeps them coming back for more. $39.50-$49.50. UIS Performing Arts Center, One University Plaza, 217-206-6160.
Play it Again
Sept. 17, 6-10pm. Luke Bryan tribute. Show opens with local band Highway 615. $10. Sherman Village Park Amphitheater, Sherman, 1200 Rail Fence Dr., 217-496-2621.
Springfield School District Desegregation Plan
Sept. 17, 1:30pm. Panel discussion on the desegregation plan from the 1970s to the present. Part of the History Comes Alive program. spiaahm.org. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, 1440 Monument Ave., 217-391-6323.
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
Sept. 23-25. Hundreds of cool cars and thousands of spectators will roll into the heart of Springfield’s historic downtown for a weekend of family fun, live music and entertainment. Don’t miss the burn-out contest. 217-553-5271.
